Keep well, don’t take antibiotics when you don’t need to

As a person who cares for others you are relied upon in your role and maybe also in your personal life.

We want our carers of Scotland to know the harmful effects that antibiotics can have when you take them when you don’t need to.

Throughout November, and particularly during Antibiotics Awareness Week 12-18 November, NHS Inform is running a campaign to highlight this important issue.

What can happen?

Taking antibiotics encourages harmful bacteria that live inside you to become resistant. That means antibiotics may not work when you really need them. This puts you, the people you care for and your family at risk of a more severe or longer illness.

If you’re feeling unwell, have a cold or flu and you haven’t been prescribed antibiotics, there are some effective self-care ways to help you feel better such as:

asking your pharmacist to recommend medicines to help with symptoms or pain

getting plenty of rest

making sure you drink enough to avoid feeling thirsty.

Fever is a sign the body is fighting the infection and in most cases gets better by itself. You can use paracetamol if you are uncomfortable as a result of a fever.

If you have a cold or flu, make sure to use a tissue for your nose and wash your hands frequently to avoid spreading your infection to family and friends.

Remember, if you’re feeling unwell antibiotics aren’t always needed.

How you can help

You can not only take steps to protect yourself, but take steps to protect the people around you by highlighting the issue and using the information and resources available on the Keep antibiotics working website.